Background
On 6 October 2026 the National Police of Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Metrei International (AIM) to coordinate anti-human-trafficking victim support and related operational activities.
Under the agreement the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department is designated to coordinate joint investigations, evidence collection, rescue operations, and the timely referral of victims to social and legal services. The MOU frames a formal partnership between a national law-enforcement agency and an international NGO to combine investigative capacity with victim assistance and capacity-building for frontline units.
Key Developments
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Interior headquarters and followed authorization from senior interior ministry leadership. The Deputy National Police Commissioner signed on behalf of the National Police, and the Country Director of Metrei International represented the NGO; senior officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department also participated.
Institutional Role
The MOU sets out complementary roles: the police unit will lead operational responses and legal procedures, while AIM will provide social services, legal support for victims, information-sharing, and training programs for anti-trafficking personnel. The agreement identifies mechanisms for interagency coordination and for directing victims to restorative social and legal assistance.
Operational Implications
Operationally, the partnership focuses on timely victim rescue, evidence collection to support prosecutions, and enhanced referral pathways to social and legal services. The arrangement also commits both parties to cooperation on case information and capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening on-the-ground responses to trafficking and associated exploitative labor practices.
